There are many other family-friendly, fun-to-drive vehicles, like the Mazda CX-5 or Honda's own CR-V, that get better fuel economy.

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Lutz says that Saab engineers were careful to tune the new models to mimic the road manners and fun-to-drive characteristics of Saabs.

FORBES: Companies & Strategies

But after some tough sledding, the auto industry seems poised for a rebound, and car makers are pulling out all the stops to create fuel-efficient, fun-to-drive, attractive and affordable vehicles.

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"We recognized a few years back that the key to meeting these incredible fuel-efficiency targets--and keeping cars fun to drive and making them affordable--is great, lightweight, low-cost, structurally sound steel, which we weren't able to get from the handful of steel suppliers in the industry who supply other automakers, " said Krafcik.

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It still comes down to one thing--the 3 series is great fun to drive.

FORBES: Test Drives

Why make an electric version of a small-run, vintage-inspired car that is already great fun to drive.

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C5 enthusiast Karl Whittle from Sussex-based C5 specialists C5Alive said he loved them because they were fun to drive, cheerful and rather eccentric.

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